Promotion
What parents need to know about the changing landscape of university admissions
For parents, securing a place at a top university is both exciting and daunting. The competition for prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and elite US universities, including the Ivy League, MIT, and Stanford, is fierce. Understanding these trends can improve your childâs chances of admission.
Oxford and Cambridge have acceptance rates of ~18% and ~21%, the lowest in the UK, with some courses having single-digit admission rates. They are admitting more state school students, increasing competition for private school applicants. In 2023, only 28.2% of Cambridge students were privately educated, down from 30% in 2022. For Oxford in 2023 it was only 31.4% from private schools.
Because of this, interest in US universities is growing, with over 10,000 UK students currently enrolled. However, US applications are challenging. For instance, Yale's acceptance rate dropped from 4.4% to 3.7% this year. International students face even lower rates, with about 30% of Yale's student body being international.
Key trends for families:
- Start Early: Students should begin preparing as early as Year 9, focusing on strong academics, leadership, service, and personal narratives.
- Super- and Ultra-Curriculars: Stand out with activities that demonstrate subject mastery and impactful involvement.
- Competitive Mid-Tier Schools: Universities like Duke and Vanderbilt are becoming as competitive as the Ivies, with acceptance rates under 8%.
- Return to Standardised Testing: Many selective colleges, including Yale, Harvard, and MIT, are reinstating SAT or ACT requirements.
âTo demonstrate academic ability in interviews are not skills that can be developed overnight.â
Lucy Baehren, Former Admissions Officer at the University of Oxford.

Despite the challenges, the increasing number of applications underscores the value of a world-class education. Crimson Education offers comprehensive support, including academic tutoring, test preparation, essay writing, and guidance from former admissions officers to help students find the right fit and navigate the complex application process.
If youâre interested in talking to one of Crimson Educationâs university experts about your childâs university goals and improving their chances of acceptance by up to 4x then reach out today.
